AFTER 20 years operating from a "temporary" home that somewhat resembles a concrete bunker, the Bay's Salvation Army now has a spacious block of land to call its own.
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The 4100 square metre block is in a prime location on Orient St, about 100m south of the community centre.
While the planned building will serve as a worship and outreach facility, Captain Emma Johnson said it would also be open to the community.
"There will be a worship hall, a community services centre, training centres; different areas that are basically trying to give back to the community," she said.
Outside, barbecue and playground facilities will be open for all families to use.
"The whole building is aimed at looking after a person as a whole, and recognising people are physical, spiritual and
emotional beings and meeting those needs," Capt Johnson said.
The Salvos will continue their outreach, from crisis assistance to community, youth and senior citizens programs - just on a slightly larger scale.
"We're not going to be doing anything particularly different but we will be making it better and easier for our clients."
The money to purchase the land has come from Corp members, personal donations, the Salvation Army headquarters and the local store, as Red Shield money goes strictly to social services.
The timeframe for building the facilities will be based upon development approval, however the Salvos hope to have outdoor facilities running prior to the centre being completed.
